Madam Alissandra Cummins, Chairwoman of UNESCO Executive Board,
Madam Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset, on behalf of the Vietnamese delegation I would like to congratulate Madam Alissandra Cummins on your capacity as the new Chairwoman of the Executive Board. I am confident that, under your facilitation, the 189th sessions will achieve concrete outcomes. I would also like to thank Madam Eleonora Mitrofanova for your contributions to the Executive Board over the past years. I also believe that under the leadership of Madam Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO and your assistants, UNESCO will overcome the current difficulties and continue to record greater successes in its mandates.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we might be aware, currently, UNESCO is experiencing a very challenging stage, affecting its operation and implementation of its approved programs and activities. However, Viet Nam believes that, this is only a temporary difficult period and UNESCO will soon get over the challenges to continue its active contributions to global peace and prosperity. With such belief, Viet Nam welcomes the initiative to establish the UNESCO’s Emergency Fund right after the 36th General Conference to call for the donations from nations, organizations and individuals. Viet Nam also welcomes and supports efforts to reform and cut costs by the organization, especially the ‘Road-Map to the Future’ raised by Madam Director-General at the special session on 26 January 2012. Viet Nam holds the view that cutting down the budget is essential. However, as for the ongoing effective programs, especially the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB), the Global Geoparks  Network (Geopark), UNESCO should continue to maintain its budget for further operation. Viet Nam also thinks that this is indeed a chance for the organization to promote far-reaching reforms aiming at improving its effectiveness, position and role.

Viet Nam supports UNESCO to strengthen its relations with the permanent missions and National Commissions for UNESCO of member countries. A close cooperation mechanism between the UNESCO Secretariat and National Commissions for UNESCO will contribute to the enhancement of operational effectiveness and image of UNESCO in member countries. Viet Nam also welcomes the initiative to promote partnerships with major corporations and companies in order to effectively realize programs and activities in the areas that UNESCO is at the forefront, such as education, culture, etc. Such partnerships will help UNESCO mobilize diverse resources and bring into full play the partners’ experiences. Viet Nam believes that similar partnerships with the businesses, mass media, and sport associations, etc. should be continued, contributing to resolving the immediate difficulties and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the organization.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

In such a difficult period, Viet Nam shares and always stands side-by-side with UNESCO to weather the current financial challenges. In addition to UNESCO’s own efforts, Viet Nam views that all the member countries should try harder to actively contribute to the budget and implementation of projects and activities of the organization. On our part, despite being a developing country with low income per capital, Viet Nam is completing all the procedures to soon pay the annual due for 2012. On this occasion, I would like to inform you all that Viet Nam is ready to host the Regional Conference of National Commissions for UNESCO in Asia Pacific on 37C/4 and 37C/5 in Thanh Hoa province, where the Ho Citadel - a world cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO in 2011- located. This will be a good chance for Viet Nam to contribute to the programs and activities of UNESCO and for international friends to know a site of various heritages of Viet Nam.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

Once again, it is our strong conviction that despite the upcoming difficulties, with the efforts of all member countries and of UNESCO itself, UNESCO will soon overcome this tough period. As a member of the Executive Board, Viet Nam affirms our will to always accompany UNESCO in building a peaceful and beautiful world.

 Thank you./.

(1 March 2012)